Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 4 March 2026
188. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the average length of time it takes to process first registrations in each of the years 2023, 2024 and 2025, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17840/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraTailte Éireann is an independent Government agency under the aegis of my Department. Tailte Éireann provides a property registration system, property valuation service and national mapping and surveying infrastructure for the State. Under Section 8 of the Tailte Éireann Act 2022, Tailte Éireann is independent in the performance of its functions.
It is understood that it is not possible for Tailte Éireann to provide the information as requested in the required format. Applications for registration of title on the National Land Register, whether for first registration or in relation to registered title, must first meet Tailte Éireann’s minimum requirements to proceed to registration. A significant percentage of applications lodged do not meet the minimum requirements and result in an administrative burden for Tailte Éireann and longer processing times for all applicants.
First Registrations are often complex and diverse, and the first registration process is often quoted as having a curative effect. Once a title is registered it is guaranteed under State indemnification provisions. Where the application for first registration requires full investigation of title by Tailte Éireann, a Tailte Éireann Examiner of Titles must be satisfied that the applicant is entitled to the legal title and, in the vast majority of cases, necessary rulings and queries must be raised on first registration applications before they can proceed.
Applications for first registration of title account for approximately 12% of Tailte Éireann’s overall intake. Average processing times vary depending on the type of application lodged.
Cases with Certification of Title by Solicitor• : Applications for first registration on Form 3 / Form 3 (MSB) of the Land Registration Rules 2012-2021 (LRR) which are certified by a solicitor and lodged in order, typically have substantially shorter processing times.
Cases Requiring an Examination of Title:• Where full examination of title is required by Tailte Éireann on Form 1 and Form 2 of the LRR, these often involve clarifying queries, issuance of notices and dealing with objections, which can extend processing times significantly.
In cases where any delay in registration could have a potential impact, Tailte Éireann makes every effort to expedite applications where valid grounds exist, and where doing so does not impose a conflict in regard to priority given to any prior lodged dealing. Lodging parties may contact Tailte Éireann in relation to a specific case by email at [info@tailte.ie].
Further information in relation to specific cases may be obtained by Oireachtas members by contacting the dedicated e-mail address in respect of Tailte Éireann at [oireachtas@tailte.ie].
